Film director Nguyen Quang Dung served as a judge for the Vietnamese 2025 short film competition, which held its awards ceremony on 21/8. This year, the "Outstanding Short Film" award went to "Mam nho" (Seed of Memory), directed and written by Bui Duc Anh.

Trailer for the short film "Mam nho". Video: Provided by the organizers

The film portrays a young man grappling with the challenges of caring for his mother, who has Alzheimer's disease. The film also won "Best Director" and "Best Actor" for Nguyen Vu.

Nguyen Quang Dung commended the young directors for their diverse and engaging themes, reflecting a wide range of perspectives on life. "I'm impressed by their investment, their professional approach, and their skills, which are far superior to ours when we were starting out," he said.

He also noted that these young filmmakers embrace modern trends while prioritizing authenticity and emotion, essential elements in filmmaking. He praised "Con ca nho" (The Small Fish), directed by Dao Hoang Duy and winner of the "Most Creative Short Film" award, for its simple yet relatable storytelling.

Director Nguyen Quang Dung (right) and actress Thu Trang (left) present the award to the "Mam nho" film crew at the awards gala. Photo: Provided by the organizers

In the face of AI's growing influence on the film industry, Nguyen Quang Dung encouraged young filmmakers to explore and selectively adopt beneficial technologies to enhance their craft. However, he cautioned against over-reliance on AI, which could stifle individual creativity.

According to the veteran director, AI has its advantages but cannot solve every problem or guarantee a project's success. "AI can be a useful tool for creating drafts and exploring ideas. However, the human element remains paramount in the actual filmmaking process. There's one thing AI cannot replicate: emotion. Films need authenticity and emotional resonance to connect with audiences," he explained.

With over 20 years of experience, Nguyen Quang Dung has directed numerous successful films, including "Thang nam ruc ro" (Go-Go Sisters), which grossed 8.5 billion VND, "Tiec trang mau" (Blood Moon Party) (17.5 billion VND), and "Dat rung phuong Nam" (The Southern Land) (over 14 billion VND). He emphasized that each project prioritizes the human element, capturing the essence of life and conveying meaningful messages.

Nguyen Quang Dung observed that young directors today face numerous challenges, including intense competition in the domestic market and the pressure to develop a unique style. "However, I believe these challenges are necessary to fuel creativity. I hope these young filmmakers will find their own keys to innovation, embracing the spirit of the times to create breakthroughs and distinguish themselves from previous generations," he said.

Over three months, the organizers received 128 submissions, of which 114 were eligible, from directors both within Vietnam and abroad. The jury selected 20 films for the final round, awarding nine prizes. Doctor Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Film Development Association and head of the jury, praised the submissions for their compelling storytelling, technical proficiency, and profound messages. She announced that several films from the competition would be screened at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2026.

Producer Thu Trang noted the competition's role in discovering promising talent for the Vietnamese film industry. The actress expressed her hope that these directors and actors would have the opportunity to shine in the near future.

The Vietnamese film competition, organized by Thanh Nien newspaper, aims to discover emerging talent in filmmaking. This year, the competition expanded to include a documentary category and opened participation to Vietnamese citizens and foreigners legally residing and working in Vietnam, aged 15 and above. The jury comprised Doctor Ngo Phuong Lan, directors Nguyen Quang Dung and Ly Hai, producer Minh Beta, and actress Thu Trang.

Tan Cao